Glen Slater’s Jung vs borg: finding the deeply human in a posthuman age is a thought-provoking exploration of the potential threats to human nature posed by rapid advancements in technology and the posthumanist movement. The author juxtaposes the insights of renowned psychologist Carl Jung with the prospects of human-machine hybridization, artificial intelligence (AI), and the radical alteration of the human mind and body.

Slater begins by highlighting the parallels between the environmental crisis exposed by Rachel Carson’s Silent spring [1] and the impending crisis facing the human psyche in the digital age. He argues that, just as the Industrial Revolution threatened the natural world, the post-industrial revolution is now challenging the very essence of human existence. The author contends that the compartmentalized approach to solving problems, which contributed to environmental degradation, is now being repeated in the inner realm of the human psyche.

The book delves into the various psychological phenomena that have emerged alongside rapid technological advancements, such as dissociation, numbing, and the growing prevalence of conditions like anxiety, depression, and narcissism. Slater suggests that these symptoms are symptomatic of a deeper disconnect from the “deeply human”--the essential qualities of human experience that extend from instinctual patterns to cultural values.

At the heart of the book is the author’s exploration of Jung’s comprehensive understanding of the human psyche and its potential to serve as a counterpoint to the assumptions and aspirations of posthumanism. Slater argues that Jung’s insights into the self-regulating nature of the psyche, the archetypal forms that shape our consciousness, and the importance of bridging fundamental dichotomies provide a crucial foundation for addressing the current crisis.

The book delves into the academic and intellectual roots of posthumanism, tracing its origins to the convergence of postmodernism and mainstream cognitive-behavioral psychology. Slater contends that these schools of thought have collectively undermined the notion of human nature and promoted a mechanistic view of the mind that sidelines crucial aspects of the human experience, such as beauty, creativity, and spirituality.

As the book progresses, Slater explores the historical parallels between the emergence of modern technology and the rise of psychological disturbances, drawing connections between the fantasies of machine takeovers and the current manifestations of psychopathic tendencies in corporate and social leadership. This analysis serves to highlight the deep-seated and systemic nature of the challenges facing the human psyche.

In the final section of the book, Slater presents a vision for a “co-creative” approach that integrates innovation, self-knowledge, and a cosmology that recognizes the interdependence of inner and outer realities. This vision, rooted in a “reanimated” view of existence, suggests the possibility of a spiritual renewal and the reclamation of the deeply human in the face of the posthuman age.

Overall, the book will resonate with readers concerned about the impact of technology on the human experience and interested in exploring psychological and philosophical perspectives on navigating this complex issue. Readers can gain insights into the human psyche as a counterpoint to the assumptions and aspirations of posthumanism, offering a framework for understanding and addressing the current crisis.

Jung vs borg is a comprehensive and thought-provoking exploration of the current crisis facing the human psyche. Slater’s persuasive arguments and the depth of his insights make this book a valuable contribution to the ongoing dialogue surrounding the intersection of technology, psychology, and the human condition.

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